TffAKH-fJP' BOOK— HOW TO'^MAKE-UP.- A prsetiisal fToMi 

for Ajuateun^ iritb Twenty three Colored Illuatratioof^ 

yews AMERICAN ACTING EDITION 




No. 9. ^^^^"dm 



I UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS I 

P S ;| 

^3 5 a S)rama tn XEbree Bets S 

Z9 'I 



BY 



\ 



WM. AND JOSEPHINE GILES 



Copyright, 1909, by Samuel French 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER • 

24 WEST 22D STREET 



London ! 
SAMUEL FRENdn, I^td. 
26 Southampton St. .. 

stran'd' 



Authors of "Rube and His Ma," "The Hoosier School" j| 



NOTICE.- The professional acting rights of this play are reserved j^ 

by the publisher, and permission for such performances must be ob- ^ 

tained before performances are given. This notice does not apply to ^ 

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fessional unauthorized productions will be prosecuted to the full Q 

extent of the law. .w 



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COPVRIGirr DEPOSIT. 



No. 9 



FRENCH'S AMERICAN ACTING EDITION. 



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(.(. 



UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS 



% 2Drama in €f)ree %tt$ 



By 



WM. AND JOSEPHINE GILES 

AUTHORS OF "rube AND HIS MA," "THE HOOSIER SCHOOI*. " 



Copyright, 1909, by Samuel French 



NOTICE.— The professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the 
publisher, and permission for such performances must be obtained before 
performances are given. This notice does not apply to amateurs, who may 
perform the play without permission. All professional unauthorized pro<> 
ductions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



NEW YORK 

SAMUBI/ FR:eNCH 

Publishers 
24 w:EST aad STREET 



I^ONDON 

SAMU]^!, FRENCH, I.td. 

a6 Southampton Street, 

STRAND, I^ONDON 



^ 'A 



h'^c.K 



UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 



Cast ot Cbaracters* 

Jack Gordon Lead. 

Richard M ari,ow Heavy. 

UncIvE Josh Old Farmer. 

John Vernon Ruth's Father. 

Jake Turner Country Rube. 

Officer. 

Ruth Vernon (Ruth Gordon) Lead. 

Mrs. Gordon Old Woman. 

Katherine Vernon. (Mrs. Brown) Ruth's Mother. 

Hui^da Soubrette. 



©CID 17420 



TMP92-009235 



V 



Costumes* 



Jack Gordon. Age twenty-three. Act I. A light summer 
suit, no vest, shirtwaist, straw hat. Act II. Dark traveling 
suit, stiff hat. Act III. Same as Act I. 

Richard Mari^ow. Age, forty. Act I. First appearance, 
coat split down the back, collar broken loose, etc. Then well 
dressed throughout the play, first appearance in Act III. Must 
be dressed in auto traveling style. 

Uncle Josh. Age, fifty-five. Old farmer. Act I. Over- 
alls, boots, straw hat, red handkerchief around neck. Act II. 
Linen duster, red tie, red handkerchief in top pocket, straw 
hat, umbrella, old and faded. Act III. Same as Act I. 

John Vernon. Age, forty. Well dressed, black suit 
throughout the play. His first appearance in Acts I and III. 
Must be dressed in auto traveling style. 

Jake Turner. Age, eighteen. Act I. Overalls, boots, 
big straw hat. Act II. Light plaid suit, two sizes too small 
red socks, small straw hat, light green tie. 

Ruth Vernon. Age, seventeen. Act I. Plain lawn dress, 
very neat and pretty. Acts II and III. Dressed very stylish 
and neat. First appearance in Act III. Must be dressed in 
auto traveling style. 

Mrs. Gordon. Age, fifty. Act I. Calico dress, gingham 
apron. Act II. Brown dress, bonnet, with roses and tie under 
chin. Act III. Same as Act I. 

KaTherine Vernon. Age, thirty-five. Act I. All in 
black. Act II. All in black, with white collar and cuffs. 
Glasses and wig, to represent Mrs. Brown. Act III. First ap- 
pearance in auto traveling style. Then as Act II, until remove 
disguise. 

HuLDA. Age, sixteen. Act I. Lawn dress with white 
ruffled apron. Very neat and pretty. Act II. Short lawn 
dress, very neat, large pretty summer hat. 



6 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

p..) Wal, I swan, if I don't believe they are com- 
ing up the lane. (Waz'cs hand.) Yes, it be them, 
and Jack is waving his hat, and Josh is whipping np 
the horses. I believe I'll just run down the lane and 
meet them. (Starts to house and then turns.) Oh, 
J don't need my bonnet. 

(Mrs. Gordon starts to exit at r. just as Jake 
enters and she runs into his arms.) 

(Enter Hulda from house.) 

Hulda. Oh, Jake's got another girl. (Exit into 
house crying.) 

Mrs. Gordon (throws Jake oif). Land sakes, 
Jake, get out of my road, can't you see I'm in a 
hurry? 

Jake (getting out of the zcay). Wal, I didn't go 
ter do it, I was just coming ter tell ye the folks air 
coming up the lane. 

Mrs. Gordon. Wal, I know it. (Exit at r.) 

Jake (looking after her). Wal, I never seen the 
like. Aunt Rhoda acts as if Jack had been away 
twenty years, but I am gol durn glad ter see him 
myself. (Halloas into house.) Hey, Hulda, hey, 
Ruth, Jack's come, hurry up. 

(Enter Ruth from house.) 

Ruth. Has he really come, Jake? (Looks oif 
R.) Yes, there he is, hugging mother. O how glad 
I am, (waves hand) it won't be lonely here now, 
Jake. 



ACT I. SCENE I. 7 

Jake. Huh, 'pears to me it ain't been so lone- 
some with all them spellin' bees and singing-schools 
we've been havin' lately. 

Enter Jack, Mrs. Gordon and Josh. Mrs. Gor- 
don has hold of Jack's arm, and Josh zvith suit- 
case.) . 

Jack {takes Ruth's hands). Hello, sis, you 
seem glad to see me. 

Ruth. O Jack, you don't know how we have 
missed you. 

Jack. Glad to hear that, why, hello, Jake ! 
{Shakes hands with Jake.) How are you, old 
fellow ? 

Jake. O, I be feelin' fine, huh, I got a gal now. 

Mrs. Gordon. Now, Jake, you can tell your 
troubles some other time, come on in the house 
everybody, for dinner is ready, and I want to talk 
to Jack myself. 

(Mrs. Gordon exit in house followed by Jack and 
Ruth.) 

Josh. Wal, I guess I'll have to wait till I get 
him out ter the barn. [^Exit in house.'] 

Jake. Gee I wish they would make a fuss over 
me, like that. Wal, I guess I'll just go out to the 
barn, I can talk ter old Dolly's colt anyhow. 
{Starts to exit at r., looks off.) Wal, what is 
that? {Calls into house.) Hey, there, all you 
folks, come out here and see what this is coming 
across the field. 



8 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

(Enter Jack and Ruth from house. Looks off 
at R.) 

Jake. I'll be gol dinged! what is it, anyhow? 
I kin make out two legs, but I'll be switched if it's 
got a head. (Halloas.) Hold on ter that knap- 
sack, pard, or old Red'll rob you if he get's it. 
Gee whilicans ! Red's caught him right between the 
fence and the hog pen, and he's sending him this 
way, wal I'll be gol dinged, it's a man. 

(Enter Richard Marlow at r. running with suit- 
case in hand, coat split down the back, collar 
broke loose in front, no hat, throws himself on 
chair at r. all out of wind.) 

Jake (goes to him). Hello there, feller, you're 
a pretty good runner, ain't ye, but old Red has you 
all beat, he's had lots of practice, he runs me home 
every whip stitch, but ye see I've got on to his 
curves. 

Ruth. Maybe the gentleman's hurt. Jack! 

Marlow (bozvs). Thank you, lady. My feelings 
are hurt that I should have to appear in your pres- 
ence in such a condition. 

Jake. O sis, don't mind that, yer ought ter be 
glad yer got any clothes on at all. 

Jack (takes him by the arm and helps him up). 
Never mind, stranger, come with me to my room 
and we will soon make you presentable. 

(Jack and Marlow exit into house.) 

'Jake. Wal, I tell ye, Ruth, I'll be hanged if I like 
the looks of that feller, his eyes look too much like 



ACT L SCENE I. 9 

a snake's eyes when it's charming a bird. He's a 
schemer and a fraud, I'll bet my old straw hat on 
that. 

Ruth. You must not form opinions of people 
so readily, Jake, for you will often find that you're 
in the wrong, but I must go and help mother. ■, 



(Exit into house.) 

'Jake. But you can bet your boots, sis, that I 
won't be in this case. 

(Enter Hulda l., from around the house, whirls 
past Jake, turns nose up at him, goes and set on 
rustic seat r. with back to him.) 

Jake (scratches head). Huh, must be something 
doing. Ahem, say Hulda, is dinner 'bout ready. 

Hidda (angrily). Oh, go and see. 

Jake (jumps and falls over chair r., getting up). 
Wal, now that beats me. Say, Hulda, (going 
closer to her) what's the matter with you? 

JIulda (independent). Oh, there ain't nothing 
the matter with me. 

Jake. Wal, gosh hang it all, I'd like ter know 
what makes you act this way. 

JIulda. O, I ain't acting any way, I think it's 
you that's doing the acting, here only a few min- 
utes ago I come out and caught you hugging an- 
other girl, and you told me only yesterday that I 
was the only girl you ever loved. (Begins to cry 
aloud. ) 

Jake (laughing). Wal, I'll be switched if she 



10 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

ain't jealous. {Goes and puts arm around her.) 
Why, what be the matter with you, Hulda? Why, 
that was Aunt Rhoda. 

Hulda {throws him from her very angry, stamps 
foot). Aunt Rhoda, that's worse still, land sakes I 
could have stood it if it had been a young girl, but 
Aunt Rhoda, well that's the limit. Jake Turner, I 
never want anything more to do with you. {Cry- 
mg.) 

Jake. Gosh hang it all, Hulda, yer don't under- 
stand me, it wasn't my fault. 

Hidda {angrily). I'd like to know whose fault 
it was, you didn't have to hug somebody against 
your will, do you? 

Jake. Wal, you don't think I love anybody but 
you, do ye? 

Hulda. Oh, I don't know, and I don't care 
either, I'm going to get another fellow anyhow, 
you're getting too gay for me. 

Jake. Now, Hulda, let me tell yer just how 
that was. Aunt Rhoda thought I was Uncle Josh, 
coming from the barn and — 

Hidda {laughing). You don't mean to say, Jake 
Turner, that Aunt Rhoda took you for Uncle Josh ? 
Well, if I thought you looked as old as that, Fd 
never have anything to do with you again. But 
didn't have to hug her. 

Jake. Wal, you see, Hulda, I thought it was you. 

Hidda {throws head up in the air disdainfully) . 
Well, that does settle it between you and me, Jake 
Turner. To think, took me for Aunt Rhoda, well 
that's the limit. 



ACT I. SCENE I. II 

(HuLDA exit into house.) 

Jake {throws himself down on chair at R. with 
despair). Stung. 

{Enter Uncle Josh, Marlow and Jack from 
house. Marlow well dressed.) 

Uncle Josh. Wal, you fellers, come out ter the 
barn now, and see the new mare I got the other 
day. I found her to be all she was claimed ter be, 
and I tell yer that's something these days. 

Jack. Will you join us, Mr. Marlow? 

Marlow, No, thank you, I am very tired, and 
I'll just set down here and wait till you come back. 

Jack. All right, I will be back in a few minutes. 

(Uncle Josh and Jack exit at r. Marlow sits on 
chair at l.) 

Jake. Wal, I tell ye, you look different now. 

Marlow {takes cigar from pocket and lights it). 
Yes, and I believe I feel different too. 

Jake. O well, old Red didn't mean any harm, 
he just done that for fun, but I've got a gal now. 

Mrs. Gordon {from in house). Jake, come and 
get your dinner. 

Jake {gets up). Wal, I am not hungry, but I 
might as well go and try and eat a little. You 
just make yerself at home, I'll be out in a few 
minutes. {Exit into house.) 

Marlow {rises and crosses to r.). All right I'll 
wait on you. Well, what a lucky thing it was that 
I happen along here this morning. Who would of 



12 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

thought that I would find down here among the 
hills, the very one that I have been looking for, for 
seventeen years. (Enter Katherine Vernon at 
R., crosses and stands at l. and listens.) The min- 
ute my eyes rested upon her I knew she was John 
Vernon's daughter, and the information that I got 
out of that servant girl has confirmed my belief, I 
know I can't be mistaken. I have despatched a boy 
to the station with a telegram for John Vernon to 
come at once. I suppose we will have a time getting 
her away, but Vernon's millions will accomplish that, 
The message will bring him here this evening, per- 
haps he's on the road now. I'll just take a walk 
out and see the new mare, (Katherine exit at l.) 
and try to have a talk with this young college chap. 
I don't like the way the girl and him act toward 
one another; I am afraid there is a little love affair 
back of it, but I'll soon cut that out. (Exit at r.) 

(Enter Katherine Vernon at l.) 

Katherine (looks after him). So you are still 
plotting the ruin of a woman's life, after seven- 
teen years, you are still unsatisfied, but you are near- 
ing your end, you have a woman to deal with now, 
whose heart was robbed of all it held dear by you. 
I was little more than a child then, while you was 
one of Satan's imps, but I am your match now, and 
will deal it all back to you as you have dealt it out 
to me, and more. (Looks toward house.) Here 
she comes now, my child, beautiful as the morning 
rose, and pure and innocent as the snow-white lily. 
Oh, how I have longed all these years to hold you 



ACT I. SCENE I. 13 

to my heart, and feel your arms around my neck, 
and hear your sweet voice lisp the one word mother. 
All this has been denied me, through that man's 
villainy. {Looking off r.) But God has said ven- 
gence is mine, and I know he will not forget. 

(Enter Ruth from house.) 

Ruth. Why, good afternoon! I didn't know- 
anyone was here. 

Katherine. I was just passing, and being a little 
tired, I thought perhaps you wouldn't care if I 
rested here just a few moments. 

Ruth. Why, certainly, you may rest just as long 
as you care to, come sit down here. {Motions her 
to rustic seat.) I will go and get you a nice cool 
drink of water. 

Katherine. Please, don't, I would much rather 
that you stay and talk to me. Come and sit down. 
{Both sit on rustic seat.) Have you lived in this 
beautiful place all your life? 

Ruth. Yes, I have never known another home. 
These dear kind folks have always seemed so good 
to me that I cannot realize they are not my own. 

Katherine. Are they not your own? 

Ruth. No, Mr. Gordon found me when I was a 
little baby and he brought me home with him, but 
no one ever came to claim me. 

. Katherine. How very romantic, but did it ever 
occur to you that some one might claim-you yet? 

Ruth. I hardly think so, after all these years. 

Katherine. Strange things happen in a life. 
You cannot tell what a day may bring forth. 



14 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Ruth. Yes, I know, but I would rather stay 
here, than to have all the riches in the world. 

Katherine. I cannot blame you, but I must be 
going now. (Both rise.) Good-bye. 

Ruth. Good-bye. 

(Katherine exit at l.) 
Ruth. Why, what a strange, beautiful woman. 
(Enter Jack at r.) 

Jack. Alone? I thought I saw some one with 
you, when I was coming from the barn. 

Ruth. There was such a strange, beautiful wo- 
man here. Jack, it seems to me that I have seen her 
before somewhere, yet I cannot remember. 

Jack. O, you never met a stranger, Ruth. 

(Enter Mrs. Gordon from house.) 

Mrs. Gordon. O Jack, where did you leave your 
Pa? I am afraid something will happen to him. 
Are you sure that new mare he bought is perfectly 
safe? 

Jack. Why, yes, I think she is, mother. 

Mrs. Gordon. But law me, your Pap bought a 
cow about a month ago, the man he bought her 
from said she was so gentle that a child could milk 
her; but, land sakes, when Josh went to milk her she 
kicked him clean over the fence into the field with 
old Red, and Red caught him and tossed him back, 
and if it hadn't been for Jake coming to his rescue, 
I expect they would be playing ball with him yet, 
they both had a good work out on him. 



ACT I. SCENE I. IS 

{Enter Uncle Josh at r.) 

Mrs. Gordon. O Josh, I am so glad you have 
come, I have been so worried about you. 

{Enter Jake at r.) 

Jake {halloaing looking hack). Hi, hi, there! 
What's that coming out the lane? {All look off at 

E.) 

Uncle Josh. O that's one of them thar new 
automobubles. Why I wonder what in the tarna- 
tion they be coming here for? 

{Enter Hulda from house.) 

Hulda. O Jake, what is it? 

Jake. Uncle Josh says it's an automobuble, what- 
ever that be? {Halloas off.) Just hitch right thar 
to our hitching post. 

Ruth. O Jack, maybe it is some of your college 
chums. 

Jack. No, they are strangers to me. Why no! 
one is our guest, Mr, Marlow. 

{Enter Marlow and John Vernon at r. Auto- 
mobile heard off r.) 

Marlow. Allow me to present my friend, Mr. 
John Vernon, to you all. 

John Vernon {takes off hat). Ladies and gentle- 
men! 

Vncle Josh {takes his hand). I be very glad to 
meet yer, Mr. Vernon, come take a chair. 



i6 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

John Vernon. No, thank you, I have a Httle bus- 
iness with you, Mr. Gordon, and I might as well 
proceed at once. {Looks at Ruth.) First I wish 
to learn the identity of this young lady. 

(Ruth and Jack start and exchange looks.) 

Jack. Why, what does this mean? 

Uncle Josh. Wal, Mr. Vernon, when it comes 
ter that, I guess you know purty nigh as much as I 
do. I found my little gal over here along the road 
side, about seventeen years ago she was a little 
baby then. We have always felt that she belonged 
ter us, and seeing we raised her and educated her, 
of course she does belong to us. 

John Vernon. Was there anything on the child 
when you found her that would lead to proving 
who she might belong to ? 

Mrs. Gordon. O yes, she had a locket on with 
two pictures in it. 

Uncle Josh. Yes, that be true. Ruth, have you 
that locket? 

Ruth (takes locket from around her neck and 
hands it to Uncle Josh). Yes, here it is, father. 
(Aside to Jack.) Jack, I know now why that wo- 
man's face looked familiar to me, it is the face in 
my locket. 

Jack. And there stands the man. (Points to 
Vernon.) Ruth, are they going to take you from 
us? 

Ruth. Never. 

U^icle Josh (hands locket to Vernon). Here is 
the locket, Mr. Vernon. 



ACT I. SCENE I. 17 

John Vernon {opens locket and presses it to lips). 
Katherine, my wronged wife, O God, help me to 
find you. Mr. Gordon this young lady is my 
daughter. For years I have searched for her ; my 
friend here, Mr. Marlow recognized her, by her 
striking resemblance to her dear mother. Mr. Gor- 
don, I am a broken-hearted man, my life is robbed 
of all that makes it worth living. I am many times 
over a millionaire ; but my wealth brings me no hap- 
piness because I have no dear one to share it with 
me. Will you folks relinquish your claim upon her, 
and allow me to place her in her rightful position ? 

Uncle Josh. We will never cease to call her our 
own, Mr. Vernon, but we will leave it to our little 
gal ter herself to decide. 

John Vernon {to Ruth). My child, will you go 
with me, to brighten my lonely home, and cheer my 
life with your bright presence? 

Ruth. You are my father, you have the right to 
command me. 

John Vernon {takes her hand). No, child, I will 
never command you, I have no right to do that. 
My heart and my home need you, will you come ? 

Ruth {goes to Jack). Jack, tell me, advise me 
what to do! 

Jack {takes her hand laying it in John Ver- 
non's). He is your father, Ruth, your first duty 
is to him. 

(Ruth lays head on Jack's shoulder. Aunt 
Rhoda zvipes eyes, Huldy zvipcs eyes. Uncle 
Josh and Jake drop their heads.\ 

CURTAIN. 



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ACT II. 

Scene. — A library at John Vernon's City Home. 
Door R. L. c. Desk at r. Easy chairs r. and l. 
Library table at l. with books on. See stage 
setting. 

(Enter Marlow at c.) 



Marlow. Well, I think I am progressing rapidly 
in my scheme to get the Vernon millions, but what 
gets me is that companion, Vernon has secured for 
Ruth. Every time she looks at me, I feel as if some- 
body had thrown a bucket of ice water on me, and 
she treats me with the utmost disdain, but she can't 
interfere with me in any way. But if she attempts 
it, I'll set her down so hard she won't try it again. 
How easy Vernon has always been, his wife hated 
me too, and — well, I soon settled her. (Takes 
large envelope from pocket.) I have the missing 
bonds, they are all I need, it won't be long until I 
have Ruth Vernon, and her father's millions in my 
possession. 

i8 



ACT II. SCENE I. 19 

(Enter Mrs. Brown at c.) 

(Marlow attempts to put paper back in pocket, 
but drops them on floor.) 

Mrs. Brown. O, I beg your pardon, but I have 
some writing to do for Miss Vernon. I hope I don't 
intrude. (Sits at desk.) 

Marlow. Not in the least, Mrs. Brown. Good- 
morning. 

(Exit at c.) 

Mrs. Brown (rises, goes pick up paper, fakes 
papers from envelope). The missing bonds! O, 
you scoundrel, nothing is too low for you to do, but 
I am not blind, and two can play at this game of 
yours. (Places bonds in her bosom, replaces en- 
velope on floor, sits at desk.) 

(Enter Marlow at c. hurriedly.) 

Marlow (looking over stage). I don't want to 
annoy you, Mrs. Brown, but I dropped some papers ; 
did you see anything of them? (Picks up envelope 
and puts it in pocket). O, I have found them. 
(Aside.) What luck! (Aloud.) I will not dis- 
turb you again. Good-morning ! 

(Exit at c.) 

(Mrs. Brown inclines head, goes on with her writ- 
ing.) 

Mrs. Brown (rising. No, you will not disturb 
me again, but maybe 1 will you. (Exit at c.) 



20 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

(Enter Ruth at r.) 

Ritth (sits at desk wearily). Oh, I am so tired 
of all this glitter and show — nothing seems real. 
How I long for the dear ones at home ! Father is 
very kind to me; he leaves nothing undone that he 
thinks would add to my pleasure and happiness, and 
although I try, I cannot overcome the longing for 
the old home. 

(Enter Jack at c.) 

Jack (with outstretched anus). Ruth! 

Ruth (starts up in surprise). Jack! (Runs to 
him.) Gh, I am so glad to see you! Is it really 
you, Jack, or am I dreaming? 

Jack (takes her hands). Yes, it's me, Ruth. I 
just wanted to see you so bad, that I could not wait 
any longer, and so here I am. I was a little afraid 
you would turn the cold shoulder on me though. 
How swell you look, but you are the same Ruth ! 

Ruth. Never that. Jack, but come let us sit 
down and have a long talk. I have so many things 
to ask you. 

(Ruth and Jack sit on sofa at l.) 

Jack. It seems awfully nice to find you the same 
girl that used to live with us down on the farm. 

Ruth. How are father and mother, Jack, and 
the rest? Do they miss me too? 

Jack. I should say they do, and they are on their 
way up here now. 



ACT 11. SCENE I. 21 

Ruth (clasps hands). Oh, are they, Jack? My, 
but I am so glad ! 

Jack. Are you sure you won't be ashamed of 
them, Ruth? 

Ruth. Why, Jack, I thought you had a better 
opinion of me than that. 

Jack (takes the stage). You don't know my 
opinion of you, Ruth, but I am very serious in what 
I am about to say to you. I did not reaHze, Ruth, 
until you had left us how dear you are to me. Ruth, 
I cannot ask you to go back down on the farm, after 
having tasted all this wealth and luxury, but I want 
to tell you that I love you, not as a brother loves a 
sister, or a friend loves a friend, but my love for 
you is far deeper and truer. Ruth, I cannot live 
without you. Tell me, dear, do you think that you 
could care for me. While you were with us, Ruth, 
I regarded you as a sister, but after you had gone, 
I realized that we were parted forever, unless you 
become my wife, my life, my very existence, is 
centered in you. Will you come? 

(Ruth goes to him, Jack takes her in his arms.) 

(Marlow appears at door c. and listens.) 

Ruth. Yes, Jack, and I have learned many 
things, too, since I left the dear old home, and one 
of these is this, my life would be very lonely with- 
out you. Jack. I love you, but I never knew until 
the last few months how much. 

Jack. Ruth dear, do you mean this ? Would you 
give up this beautiful home and wealth for me? 

Ruth. Yes, Jack, and a thousand times more, if 
I had it to give. .; 



22 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Jack. May God help me to prove myself worthy 
of your love and trust. I am going now to take my 
place with that great army of workers, who are 
trying to climb the ladder of success, and I feel, with 
the words that you have just spoken ringing in my 
ears, that I shall win. Good-bye, darling. 

Ruth {clinging to him). But, Jack, you will 
write to me often, won't you? 

Jack. Yes, dear, every day if you wish it. 

Ruth. I do, Jack, and I shall not be so lonely 
now. 

Jack (kisses her). Good-bye, dear. It won't be 
long until I can come and ask your father to give 
you to me. 

(Marlow disappears.) 

(Jack exit at c.) 

Ruth (going to door c, looks after him^, I 
never knew until now how much I love you, Jack. 
The thought that you love me thrills me with joy. 
What is all this luxury compared to a life spent 
with him. Poverty could hold no fear for me, if it 
was shared with Jack. 

(Enter Mrs. Brown at r.) 

'Mrs. Brozvn. Miss Vernon, your father has just 
told me that your folks are expected to arrive to- 
day. Have you any orders you wish conveyed to 
the housekeeper? 

Ruth. Yes, dear, but I shall go with you for I 



ACT II. SCENE I. 23 

wish to oversee the preparations for their comfort 
myself. 

(Ruth and Mrs. Brown exit r.) 

{Enter John Vernon and Marlow at c.) 

Marlow {seating himself on sofa). Do you in- 
tend to allow these country hoosiers to visit you 
here, in your city home, John Vernon? Why you 
will be the laughing-stock of everybody. 

John Vernon {seats himself at desk). Why, yes, 
Richard, I am glad they are coming. Ruth loves 
them, and well she might, considering what they 
have done for her. Why they could have allowed 
her to grow into womanhood ignorant, uneducated, 
instead of fitting her for the position she now holds. 
They are good, kind generous people, Richard ; they 
are diamonds in the rough. 

Marlow {takes the stage). But couldn't you pay 
them for what they have done and then let them 
drop ? 

John Vernon. I offered to settle some money on 
them, but they refused, they wouldn't ever listen to 
such a thing. 

Marlow. That is only a scheme of theirs, John. 
Maybe you didn't make the amount large enough. 

John Vernon. No sum was mentioned. I think 
you're mistaken in your opinion of them, and I 
know their visit here will be a great benefit to Ruth, 
for I know she is longing to see them. But, 
Richard, I am in deep trouble ; you remember those 
bonds that were entrusted to me a few months ago ! 



24 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Well, they are missing. Ruth, Mrs. Brown, and 
myself have searched every available place that I 
could possibly have placed them. If I do not find 
them it will be a serious thing for me. 

Marlow (seats himself on sofa). Perhaps Mrs. 
Brown could enlighten you as to their whereabouts, 
if she cared to. You trust people too much, John. 

Joliji Vernon. I haven't had the least cause to 
suspect anyone, Richard, and she above anyone, out- 
side of you and Ruth. (Gets up.) But I shall go 
and search again, perhaps we have only overlooked 
them. I will join you in a few minutes. 

(Exit at c.) 

Marlow (gets up). There is only one way for 
you to find the missing bonds, John Vernon ; that 
will be by making Ruth my wife and signing over 
your millions to me. 

(Enter Ruth at r.) 

Ruth (starts). Oh, I did not know anyone w^as 
here. 

Marlozv. Why, good-morning, Miss Vernon, 
this is quite a pleasure, as I have something that I 
wish to say to you. 

Ruth (in surprise). Something to say to me! 

Marlozv. Yes, Miss Vernon, you • have always 
treated me as though we were strangers, and I have 
done everything in my power, to overcome this 
formality, but to no avail. Your father and I have 
been friends from boyhood, surely that is enough 
to make you trust me. 

Ruth. I do not mistrust you, Mr. Marlow, but 
you forget that I have only known you a few 



ACT II. SCENE I. 25 

months ; even my father was a stranger to me until 
then. 

Marlow. But you show affection for your 
father, for me aversion. 

Rtith. You are mistaken, Mr. Marlow. (Starts 
to go.) 

Marlozv (going closer to her). Don't be in a 
hurry to go; I have not finished. What I wish to 
say to you is this : Ruth, I love you. Will you give 
me permission to try to win your love? 

Ruth. No, Mr. Marlow, I cannot encourage you 
in this, for I can never care for you. 

Marlow. But, Ruth, I know I can win your love, 
if you will only let me try. 

Ruth. Mr. Marlow, I do not care to continue 
this conversation any longer; please let this drop 
between us forever. 

Marlow. No, I have decided that you shall be- 
come my wife ! If you will not yield by persuasion, 
then I will use other means. 

Ruth (proudly). Sir, you insult me. I wish 
you good-morning. (Starts to exit at r.) 

Marlow (catches her hand and draws her back). 
Wait and hear me out. I'our father will soon be 
under arrest, accused of stealing bonds. Disgrace 
and the prison stares him in the face. I can clear 
him and will, under one consideration: that you 
consent to be my wife. 

Ruth (scornfully). And you claim to be my 
father's friend ! 

Marlotv. I was, until 3'ou came into my life; 
love for you has made me what I am; you can 
reclaim me or make a fiend of me, I will give you 



26 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

time to decide. As you value your life keep silent, 
but remember, the bonds must be produced, or the 
prison doors will close upon your father. 

Ruth. Mr. Marlow, you have had my final 
answer. {Exit at r.) 

Marlow {laughing). You'll change your mind, 
my lady. Every woman has that privilege ; wait 
until I get you in my power, I'll make you pay for 
this. {Exit at l.) 

{Enter Uncle Josh, Mrs. Gordon, Jake and 
HULDA at c.) 

Jake. Come on, Hulda, ain't this fine? Gosh, I 
wonder what room this are! 

Uncle Josh. Now, Jake, don't get excited, you'll 
see lots of queer things before ye get back home. 

Mrs. Gordon. Now I don't want you folks to 
forget that you are to act just as if you had always 
been used to all these fine things; land sakes, I'd 
hate to think after all the rehearsing I have given 
you in the last month, that you would go ahead and 
make laughing-stocks out of all of us. 

(Jake and Uncle Josh sit on sofa and bounce 
up and down.) 

Jake. Whee — ain't we going some ! 

Uncle Josh {hat falls hack of sofa). Oh, there 
goes my hat ! 

Mrs. Gordon {goes back of sofa). I'll get it for 
you, Josh. 

(Jake and Uncle Josh both jump up, backs 
to each other; in the attempt to look under 
sofa, bump seats together and fall to floor.)] 



ACT II. SCENE I. 27 

Jake {reaching under sofa). I've got it, Uncle 
Josh. 

Mrs. Gordon {screams). Oh, Jake, let go of my 
foot! 

Jake {sitting on floor). Stung! 

Uncle Josh {gets up, brushes himself off, looks 
at sofa, then sits on chair at r.). Huh, gosh hang 
it all I believe that goldurn thing's alive. 

Hidda. If I was you, Jake Turner, I'd try and 
have a little sense; you ain't got as much as a pig. 

Jake {getting up). Wal, goldurn it, Hulda, 
that's just what they told me down at the pen. 

Mrs. Gordon {sits on sofa). Now, Josh, you've 
said and done enough for a while. {Hands him his 
hat.) Now, here's your hat ; but for goodness' sake 
don't put it on in the house ! 

Jake. But hold fast to it. Uncle Josh, or ye 
might not have it to put on when you go out-doors, 
and I don't want to grab any more hats very soon 
again. 

Hidda. I think you had better look after your 
own things, Jake, and not have so much to say. 

{Enter Ruth at r.) 

Ruth {kisses Mrs. Gordon and Hulda, shakes 
hands with Uncle Josh and Jake). Oh, mother, 
I am so glad to see you, and Hulda, and father, and 
Jake — it seems too good to be true that you're all 
here. 

Jake {grinning. Aside). Gee, I was kinder in 
hopes them kisses were goin' around, but don't Ruth 
look stunnin' ! 



28 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Mrs. Gordon (lays hands on Ruth's shoulder). 
Ruth, my child, you don't look well. I am afraid 
all this finery don't just exactly agree with you; 
what do you think, Pa? 

Uncle Josh. Wal, I think you be right. Ma ; she 
is a lookin' a little peaked. 

Mrs. Gordon. I just believe I'll coax her Pa to 
let her go back home with us a spell. 

Ruth. I would dearly love to go, mother. 

Joke. It's been awful lonesome since you left, 
Ruth. There ain't anybody ter play the pianner now 
but Hulda, and she can't play anything but Yankee 
Doodle. 

Hidda. That's more than you can play. 

Uncle Josh {takes money from pocket). Now, 
I am going to give you all a present, for I want you 
all to have a good time, and go home satisfied. 
Here, Ma, is five hundred dollars for you, and a 
hundred for you, Hulda, and a hundred for you, 
Jake. (Hands them money.) 

Jake (looks at money, grins). Gee, goldurn it, 
I kin buy nearly everything in New York. 

Uncle Josh. I want -ye all ter buy something that 
ye can keep to remember this trip with. 

Hidda. Thank you, Uncle Josh. 

Jake. I'll do that all right. 

Uncle Josh. Ma, I want you ter get a fine new 
dress. Ruth will help you buy it. 

Ruth. Of course I will, mother. 

Mrs. Gordon. I'll see what I can do, but I don't 
think this will be enough. 

Uncle Josh (in surprise). Gosh, I wonder what 
it takes to buy a dress in New York ? Why, down 



ACT II. SCENE I. 29 

our way you could buy a dozen dresses and a 
woman throwed in, for that amount. 

Ruth. I expect you are all tired, so I will show 
you to your rooms. Dinner will be served in an 
hour. {All gather up baggage.) 

Jake. Dinner! Gee, I thought I'd had my din- 
ner. I wonder what time they have supper. 

{All exit at R.) 

'{Enter John Vernon at c.) 

John Vernon {seated at desk). I wonder what 
could have become of those bonds ? I have always 
been so careful in all my business transactions, and 
I felt certain that I had locked them in the safe. 

{Enter Mrs. Brown, r.)] 

John Vernon. Was your search successful, Mrs. 
Brown ? 

Mrs. Brown. I am sorry to say it was not, Mr. 
Vernon. 

John Vernon. Sit down, my dear, you have cer- 
tainly been very faithful in trying to fmd them. 

Mrs. Brown {seated on sofa). 1 have only done 
my duty, Mr. Vernon. 

John Vernon. I cannot think they have been 
stolen. I still have hopes that I may find them ; if 
I don't, their value is so large that it will sweep 
away my entire fortune. 

Mrs. Brown. Is it so bad as that ? 

John Vernon. Yes, and not only that, but the 



30 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

shadow of disgrace that will fall upon innocent 
shoulders. 

Adrs. Brown. You mean your daughter? 

John Vernon. Yes, and I dare not tell her. Mrs. 
Brown, my life has been a failure. I look back over 
it and see only a pile of ruins. I would give my life 
to undo a crime I committed against the only 
woman I ever loved. I believed her false, and I 
drove her out into the world, only to find when it 
was too late, that she was innocent. The name of 
the person that committed the crime against her I 
have never been able to learn. To-night this all 
comes back to me, and my heart longs for some one 
to confide in. {Paces stage slozvly.) I cannot tell 
Ruth ; she would turn from me when she learned of 
the cruel treatment her poor innocent mother re- 
ceived at my hands. Forgive me, Mrs. Brown, for 
burdening you with my troubles, but somehow I 
have felt strangely drawn toward you from the 
first; I feel that I can trust you. 

Mrs. Brozvn. I am glad, Mr. Vernon, that you 
trust me ; you will find that I will never betray your 
confidence. 

(Enter Ruth at c.) 

Ruth (going to her father). Have you found 
the missing bonds yet, father? 

John Vernon. No, dear, but don't you worry 
pbout them. I know I have only overlooked them 
in my search. (Aside.) Oh, if I only had. 

Ruth (seated beside Mrs. Brown on sofa). 
Have you met the folks yet, Mrs. Brown? 



ACT II. SCENE I. 31 

Mrs. Brown. Yes, I have had quite a little chat 
with Mrs. Gordon. Isn't she a dear, good old- 
fashioned soul! 

(Enter Jake at c.J 

Jake (with an Irish mail, and some bundles, lay- 
ing them on floor at back). How do, Mr. Vernon. 
I have just been out buying some things to take 
home with me. 

John Vernon (shakes hands with Jake). Yes, I 
see you have, but what are you going to do with 
that? (Points to mail.) 

Jake. Oh, that's an automobubble that I bought. 
I'm going ter ride on that. I bet I'll give old Red 
a chase now. 

(Enter Uncle Josh, Mrs. Gordon and 

HULDA at R.) 

John Vernon (shaking hands with them). Glad 
to see you. I have looked forward to your visit to 
help cheer Ruth up a little. She hasn't complained, 
but I could see she was grieving for you. 

Mrs. Gordon. Yes, indeed, I knew there was 
something wrong with her the minute I laid eyes on 
her, and I want you to let her go back home with 
us a spell till she gets to looking better. 

Jake (brings Irish mail forward). Hey there, 
everybody, see what I bought. 

Uncle Josh. What in the 'tarnation is that any- 
how. 

Jake. Why don*t you know what that is? Just 
wait till we get home and I'll show you. 



32 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Hiilda. A fool and his money soon part. 
Jake. Huh ! 

Hulda. I say, I thought you had a good start. 
Ruth. Never mind, Jake, you'll come out all 
right. 

{Enter Police at c. All stand with a look of 
surprise. ) 

Police. Mr. John Vernon, Grant and Ripley 
have sent me for some bonds that you have in your 
possession. You were to have delivered them 
yesterday. 

{Enter Marlow at c. and stands by Ruth.) 

John Vernon. I am sorry, Officer, but I have 
lost or mislaid the bonds somewhere, and although 
T have searched diligently for days I cannot find 
them. 

Officer. Then I have a warrant for your arrest. 

Uncle Josh. What be that for? Mr. Vernon 
did not steal them bonds. Ye wouldn't take him to 
prison, would ye ? 

Officer. I must do my duty. 

Marlow' (to Ruth). You can save your father. 

Officer {talzes out Jtandcuffs). Mr. Vernon 

Ruth {throwing herself at Officer's feet). Oh, 
please dp not arrest my father. He is innocent, give 
him only one day more, and maybe he can find the 
bonds. 

Officer. I am sorry, but it is not in my power to 
grant your request. 



ACT II. SCENE I. 33 

Uncle Josh. I'll stand good for them goldurn 
old bonds. How much are they? You see us 
struck oil down on my farm a few weeks ago, and 
I'll spend every dollar 'ter save ye, Mr. Vernon, 
for I know ye are innocent. 

Ruth {to Marlow). Save my father and I will 
be your wife. 

Marlow {steps forward). There is no need of 
all this display, Mr. Gordon ; I happened to find the 
missing bonds only a few minutes ago. Here they 
are. {Hands envelope to Officer.) 

Officer {opens envelope). I beg your pardon, 
Mr. Marlow, there are no bonds here. 

Marlow {starts). What do you mean, man? 

Officer. That the bonds are still missing. 

JaJ^e. Stung ! 

Mrs. Brown {aside). My time has not come yet. 

CURTAIN. 




ACT III. 

Scene. — Same as Act I. 

'(Jack discovered seated on rustic seat.) 

Jack (with paper in hand). I cannot believe it. 
Ruth, little sister, sweetheart, all that life holds for 
me — ^^f alse ! It seems impossible, yet here it is in 
black and white {gets up and paces stage), the an- 
nouncement of her approaching marriage to Richard 
Marlow. I have written to her repeatedly, but have 
received no answer to any of my letters. I can*t 
understand it. Sometimes when I think of it all, it 
seems as though I shall go mad. Oh, Ruth ! Ruth, 
what is this, that has come between us, when only a 
few short weeks ago you told me, with eyes that 
shone with love and truth, that you loved me, and 
would be my wife? To-day I seem to be in total 
darkness, the sun seems to be hidden in clouds of 
doubt and heartaches. I cannot remain here and 
see her wed another ! I am going away, so far away 
that I shall never hear of her again. Oh, my darl- 
ing! I can't believe that you are false to me. (Sits 
on rustic seat) 

34 



ACT III. SCENE i. 35 

(Enter Mrs. Gordon from house.) 

Mrs. Gordon. Why, Jack, what be the matter 
with you. (Places hand on his shoidder.) You 
'pear to be downhearted about something, but good- 
ness' sake I don't know what it could be. Here we 
have lots and lots of money since we struck oil, and 
you have finished your education and got a good 
position with them big lawyers, where ye can learn 
all you want to. Why I think you ought to be 
jumpin' around here like a yearlin' colt, instead of 
settin' around with yer head down like this. (Sits 
on rustic seat. ) 

Jack (getting up, crosses stage to l.). Mother, 
I can't tell you now what troubles me, but some 
time I will; but I have decided to take the position 
offered me by Fauffman & Co., to look after some 
interests of theirs in Australia. I shall be gone five 
years. 

Mrs. Gordon. Oh, Jack! we can never let you 
go that far away. Land sakes, we could all be dead 
and buried in that time ! 

Jack. Yes, but as far as that goes, mother, we 
could all be in our graves in a week. This is a good 
chance for me, and I would be a fool not to accept 
it. 

'(Enter Hulda at r., laughing, waving hand 
offR.) 

Hulda. Oh, Aunt Rhoda, Jack, here comes 
Ruth, and her father and Mrs. Brown and Mr. 
Marlow. (All look oif r.) 



36 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Mrs. Gordon. Wal for goodness' sake, if it ain't 
them coming in that new automogle that Ruth's Pa 
got her. {Waves hand.) 

(Automobile heard off r.) 

Jack (coming tip l.). I wonder what this 
means? Not satisfied with what she has ah-eady 
done, she is comi;ig here to flaunt their happiness 
in my face ! 

(Enter Ruth, John Vernon, Mrs. Brown 
and Marlow at r.) 

Mrs. Gordon (catching Ruth in her arms, kisses 
her). Oh, how glad I be to see you! (Holding 
her at arm's length.) But, land sakes, Ruth, have 
you been sick ? 

John Vernon. Yes, Mrs. Gordon, her health is 
failing fast. Acting upon the advice of Mrs. 
Brown, I have brought her to you; the old home 
will help her. 

Marlow (aside). He didn't take my advice or 
she wouldn't be here, but that woman seems to 
checkmate me in everything. 

Mrs. Brown. Yes, dear Mrs. Gordon, I thought 
the fresh country air and the old home would do 
her more good than all the doctors in the city. 

(Jack and Ruth look at each other, start, 
Jack ttirns away.) 

Jack (aside). Heavens, how frail she looks. I 
cannot stand this ! 



ACT III. SCENE I. 37 

Mrs. Gordon, You done just right in bringing 
her to me, seein' I nursed her through the scarlet 
fever and the whooping cough and the measles. 
Ain't I her real mother after all, didn't I raise her? 

John Vernon (sadly). Yes, Mrs. Gordon, I 
can't deny that. 

Mrs. Brown (aside). While her own mother's 
heart almost broke with longing for her. 

Mrs. Gordon. Josh will be just tickled to death 
to see 3^ou all. Hulda, go and call him. 

Hidda. All right, Aunt Rhoda. (Starts hack of 
house L.) 

Ruth (stopping her). Hulda, are you not glad 
to see me? 

Hidda (embracing her). I should say I am, 
Ruth, but you seemed so grand, and far above us 
now, that I felt like you didn't care for me any 
longer. 

Ruth. Oh, Hulda, do you have so little faith in 
me? 

Hidda. We all love you and miss you, Ruth 
dear, and Uncle Josh will be so glad to see you. I 
must hurry and call him. (Exit at l.) 

Marlozv. I think, John Vernon, that Ruth had 
better go to her room; she looks all tired out. 

(Enter Uncle Josh and Hulda at -l.) 

Uncle Josh (laughing, shaking hands zvith them 
all). Wal, I'll be goldurned if this ain't the 
pleasantest surprise I've had since they struck oil 
on the farm. Why, Ruth, what is the matter? 

Ruth (placing hand to head). Father, mother, 
I— I-- 



38 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Jack {running to her and catches her in his 
arms). Ruth has fainted. 

(All gather around Jack.)' 

Jack. Stand aside and let me take her to her 
room. 

(Jack exit into the house with Ruth, followed 
by Mrs. Gordon, Uncle Josh, Mrs. 
Brown and Hulda.) 

Marlow {seated on rustic seat. Aside). I have 
one more card to play. If I do not win, it means 
ruin and defeat. 

Jake. I wonder what be the matter with Ruth? 
T never seen her act like that before.. 

Marlow. Oh, there's nothing the matter with 
her; you" forget she's not a big overgrown country 
hoosier. 

Jake. Huh ! 

Marlow. To make things plainer, she don't be- 
long here, and John Vernon was a fool to bring 
her here. 

Jake. Huh, it wasn't so bad him bringin' Ruth 
down here as some others he brought. 

{Enter Hulda from house.) 

Hidda. Ruth is better. Jake, Aunt Rhoda wants 
you to go down to the spring after some water. 
Jake. All right, Hulda. {Exit at l.) 
Hulda. Mr. Marlow, Uncle Josh said for you 
to come into the house. 



ACT III. SCENE I. 39 

Marlozv (rising). Thank you. 

(HuLDA exit into honse.y 

Marlow. I'll keep a close watch, or that woman 
will foil me yet. I am almost certain she has the 
missing bonds, and to win Ruth Vernon I will stop 
at nothing. Her money will save me from prison, 
for John Vernon will never let his son-in-law go to 
prison for forgery. {Exit into house.) 

(Mrs. Brown at l.) 

Mrs. Brown. My heart aches for Ruth and Jack, 
to think they are the victims of that coward. Ruth 
is better, but her heart is breaking, and Marlow is 
trying to hold her to a promise of marriage, but I 
have a few accounts to check up with him. Ruth 
does not need me now, so I will take a little stroll. 
It seems so beautiful down that long shady lane. 

,,,,«««^- (Exit at ^.) 

{Enter /ake at l. on Irish mail, wearing 
goggles, cap, ulster, etc., regular automobile 
style. ) 

'Jake {halloaing) . Get out of my way, by gurri, 
or ril run over you. 

{Enter Uncle Josh from out of the house just 
as Jake passes the door. Josh jumps and 
Jake goes under him.) 

7ake, Got through that tunnel all right. '' 



40 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

***" ' '( Jake exit at l.) 

Uncle Josh (after him). If I don't give that 
boy a good floggin' it will be a funny thing to me. 
(Exit at L.) 

(Enter Ruth from house.) 

Ruth. I wish I had not allowed them to persuade 
me to come here. The sight of all these dear 
familiar faces, and the dear old home, only add to 
my sorrow. Oh, Jack, Jack, if you had only re- 
mained true to me, how different my life would have 
been ! (Sits on rustic seat, places arm on back, lays 
head on it,) 

(Enter Jack from house.) 

Jack. Ruth, I did not know you were out here, 
or I would not have intruded. 

Ruth (rising). Do you dislike me so much. 
Jack? 

Jack. Dislike you? No, what do you mean? 

Ruth. You never talked that way to me before, 
Jack. 
. Jack. But things are different now. (Turns 
away. ) 

Ruth (sadly). Yes, Jack, I am well aware of 
that. (Aside.) Oh, how happy we were in the old 
days ! 

Jack (turning to her). Well, Ruth, all that I 
can say is that I hope you will be happy as Richard 
Marlow's wife. 



ACT III. SCENE I.. 41 

Ruth (pleadingly). Jack! 

Jack. I do not care to hear. I might have 
known from the first that you could never care for 
me, a country hoosier, after you became accustomed 
to the ways of the city. I was a fool to follow you 
there to lay my heart at your feet, only to have you 
tread on it. When I think of what we were to 
each other, through all our young lives, and how we 
planned for a future full of sunshine and love, and 
contentment, I wish that we had both died in child- 
hood. 

Ruth. Oh, Jack. 

Jack. Don't speak to me! Your voice maddens 
me, your face so full of pleading, your eyes so full 
of sadness, almost make me forget that you belong 
to another. To save my reason, and maybe my poor 
miserable life, I am going away, and I hope I shall 
never look upon your face again. 

Ruth. Jack, you are unreasonable, you do not 
understand. 

Jack. Unreasonable? My God! Ruth, is it un- 
reasonable for me to curse the day that took you 
from me, you, my life, my inspiration, my star of 
hope! Oh, Ruth, Ruth, I wish that I were dead! 
(Falls on rustic seat and buries face in hands.)^ 

• (Ruth starts toward him.)] 

(Enter Marlow from house.'f^ 

Marlow. Ruth, your father wished to see you 
at once. 



42 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

(Ruth looks longingly at Jack.) 

Marlow. Ruth, come at once as your father is 
in great haste. 

(Ruth exit into house, followed by Marlow.) 

Jack (rising). Oh, heavens! I cannot stand 
this. 

(Enter Mrs. Brown at r.) 

Mrs. Brown (going to him). I am very glad to 
find you alone. I wish to tell you something. Mr. 
Gordon, you have been deceived. Ruth loves you, 
trust her. 

Jack (starts). Why, woman, what do you 
mean? 

Mrs. Brown. Wait and see. 

Jack. Oh, if I only knew you spoke the truth. 

Mrs. Brown. Mr. Gordon, trust me, you will 
find that I am right. 

Mrs. Gordon (from in house). Come, folks, 
dinner is ready. 

Jack. Mrs. Brown, I will try to take your 
advice. 

(Mrs. Brown and Jack exit into house.) [ 

(Enter Jake at r. with one broken and bent 
wheel from Irish mail. Jake all banged up 
and clothes all torn.) 

(Enter Hulda ffom house.) 

Hulda. Why, Jake, what is the matter?, 



ACT III. SCENE I. 43 

Jake {crestfallen). Oh, I run against old Red. 

Hulda. Are you hurt, Jake? 

Jake. Huh ! 

Hulda. Are you hurt? 

Jake. I don't know, am I? 

Hidda. And Uncle Josh told you to buy some- 
thing that you could remember that trip to New 
York with. 

Jake {looks at wheel). Wal I can keep this 
wheel, can't I? 

Hulda. Where is the rest of the mail. 

Jake. Huh — old Red's got it, he's trimmin' his 
horns w^ith it, but say, Hulda, do you have any idea 
where I can find another suit to put on, I don't feel 
right in this suit. I can't turn around. 

Hulda. Maybe Jack's got one he don't need 
any longer, and will give it to you, come on into 
the house, and we'll see. 

(Hulda exit into house followed by Jake walking 
sideways with back to scene.) 

{Enter Marlow at l.) 

Marlow. I see I have got to get Jack Gordon 
out of the way, or I can never hope to marry Ruth. 
I just happened along in time a while ago; if Jack 
finds out that Ruth is true to him I might as well, 
say amen, and shake the dust of this country off 
my feet. But I have a little scheme that I believe 
will work. I must do something and the sooner 
the better. I can get Jack Gordon into a quarrel 
and kill him in self defense; suchthingshave_been 



44 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

done, and then this Mrs. Brown will turn up miss- 
ing in a little while. The dead tell no tales or de- 
liver no bonds. (Laughs.) 

(Enter Jack from house,) 

Marlow (aside). Things are coming my way 
already. (Aloud.) Why, hello, Mr. Gordon, I 
thought you had accepted a position with Kauff- 
man & Co.? 

Jack. I have, but have not gone yet, I go in ten 
days. 

Marlow. I thought of taking Ruth down there 
on our honeymoon. 

Jack (starts). Honeymoon, — O I forgot. 

Marlow (laughing). I suppose it does seem 
strange to you. Ruth didn't want me to say any- 
thing to you about it, but I feel so elated over it 
that I couldn't keep silent. 

Jack. It seems Marlow, that you want to gloat 
over me; you must know that I love Ruth, and I 
can't understand how she could change in so short 
a time. 

Marlow. Why Mr. Gordon, you didn't think 
that she would marry a man of your standing would 
you? why she would never have the courage to in- 
troduce you to her friends in New York. Look at 
your parents, it was all Ruth could do to tolerate 
them when they came to visit her. 

Jack (angrily). You lie. (Starts toward Mar- 
low.) 

Marlow (drawing dagger). If you lay hands on 
me your a dead man. 



ACT III. SCENE I. 45 

'Jack. Take back what you have said, Richard 
Marlow, or I will kill you. 

(They clinch, Jack throws Marlow to the Hoor, 
Marlow jumps up and raises dagger to strike 
Jack, just as Uncle Josh efiters at r. with shot 
gun. Ruth runs out of house, grabs gun and 
shoots.) 
. Ruth. Drop that dagger, Marlow, there is an- 
other load in this gun. {Points gun at him.) 

{Enter Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Gordon, Hulda, John 
Vernon, and Jake. Jake falls out the door. 
All enter from house.) 

(Marlow starts hack and drops dagger.) 

Uncle Josh {takes gun from Ruth). Give me 
the gun, Ruth, I'll keep him quiet, by gum. 

Jack. Ruth, why did you do this when you be- 
long to another? 

Ruth {goes to Jack). Jack, I belong to you, 
alone. 

Jack {takes her in his arms). Ruth! 

Mrs. Brown. Yes, she has always belonged to 

,' you. That was a clever ruse of Marlow's, to have 

*^ that announcement inserted in the paper and sent 

to you, Mr. Gordon, Ruth and her father knew 

nothing of it, she has never been engaged to this 

man. Richard Marlow, you have gone your limit. 

{Enter Officer at r.) 

OfUcer. I have here a warrant for Richard Mar- 
loWi 



46 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

Marlow. What do you mean, I have done noth- 
ing. 

Officer. This warrant says you have in your 
possession the missing bonds of Grant & Ripley. 

Marlow. It's a He. 

Mrs. Brown. Search the gentleman, officer. 
{Aside.) I put them in his coat and then notified 
the officer. 

Officer {searches, finds large envelope, opens it, 
takes out the bonds). Here are the bonds, Mr. 
Marlow. 

■ Marlow {starts). I had no knowledge of them 
being in my pocket. 

Offcer. They all say that. {Handcuffs him.) 
You are my prisoner. 

Mrs. Brown. Officer, I have something that I 
would like to say to your prisoner before you re- 
move him. Richard Marlow, you have run your 
course. It was you, who broke up the home of 
John Vernon, causing his young wife to be driven 
with her baby, out into the world, you poisoned his 
mind against her, and then hired a man to embrace 
her in the garden one moonlight night, while you 
pointed the scene out to him, but you kept him from 
seeing his wife throw the man aside, and go quickly 
into the house to tell her husband of the encounter, 
only to be faced by an irate man, urged on by a 
coward and a villain. 

John Vernon. Woman, how did you find this 
out? 

Mrs. Brown. The man that assisted him re- 
pented and made a written confession and gave it 



ACT III. SCENE I. 



47 



to me, I have it here. (Hands John Vernon the 
paper.) 

(John Vernon opens paper and looks at it.) 

Uncle Josh. Wal, I'll be gol durned, Rhoda, 
what do you think of that. 

Mrs. Gordon. Tears to me, Josh, that he must 
be the devil. 

Mrs. Brown. And besides all this, he has by 
some underhanded v^ay, secured all letters that Ruth 
and Jack have written to each other, that I hap- 
pened to find. (Hands letters to Jack.) 

Jack. The dog? O Ruth, Ruth, can you ever 
forgive me. My only plea is, that I loved you so. 

Ruth. Jack, I have nothing to forgive, you were 
deceived, as we all have been ; you have more to for- 
give than I, but Jack, I love you. 

(Jack and Ruth embrace.) 
John Vernon. Richard Marlow, this proof of 
your villainy is conclusive. How you have deceived 
me all these years I do not know. I believed you 
my friend, I find you my worst enemy, the wrecker 
of my life, the destroyer of my home. O Katherine, 
my poor wronged wife, if I could only find you, I 
would give my life in atonement, for the wrong I 
have done you. 

Mrs. Brown. You were not entirely to blame, 
Mr. Vernon, but if you had only let her speak in 
her own defense, instead of turning her out into 
the world. O the heartaches ! the weary years of 
pain and longing it would have saved ! Richard 
Marlow, your reward will soon be meted out to you, 



NOV 17 1909 
48 UNCLE JOSH'S FOLKS. 

and when the prison doors close upon you, remem- 
ber the long years that a woman suffered by your 
treachery, and be thankful that your punishment is 
not greater. (Removes zvig and glasses.) 

Marlow. My God, Katherine Vernon. 

Ruth. Mother! 

John Vernon {extending arms to her). Kather- 
ine, my wife, forgive my cruel doubts, and let us 
begin life over again, satisfied in each other's love. 

Katherine and John Vernon embrace.)^ 

CURTAIN. 



FRENCH'S MINOR DRAMA. ui> || 



Price 15 Cents each.— Bound 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



VOL. I. 
1 Th« Irtth Attorney 
SBooU at the Swan 
8 How to Pfcy tli» R«nt 
4 The LoMi of a Lorer 
6 The Dead Shot 
( Hti Last '*« 
1 The Invis.ble Prince 
• The Goliien FArmer 

VOL. IL 
f Pride of the Market 

10 Uied Up 

1 1 The Irlih Tutor 

18 The Barrack Room 
18 Luke the Laborer 
14 Beauty and the Beatt 
16 St. Patrick'* Eve 
16 CapUln of the Watoh 

VOL. IIL 
IT The Secret 



fper 
Pep 



18 White Hone of the 

19 The Jacobit* 
SO The Bottle 
91 Box and Cox 
t9 Bambooillnf 

53 Wldow'i Victim 

54 Robert Macalr* 

VOL. IV. 

55 Secret Service 
26 Otnnlbu* 

37 Iriih Lion 

28 Maid of CroUir 

89 The Old Guard 

80 RaiiinK the Wind 

81 Slather and Grnsher 
88 Naval EngagemenU 

VOL. V. 
88 Coukni«> in CalifomU 

34 Who gpeaks FIrit 

35 Bombajtei Furioto 
81 Macbeth Travestle 

87 Irlih Amba»iador 

88 DelicaU Ground 

89 The Weathercock [Gold 

40 All that Glitters ti iNot 

VOL. VL 

41 Qrlmthaw, Bagshaw and 

Bradshaw 
49 Rough Diamond 

48 Bloomer Costume 
14 Two Bonnycastles 
tl Born to Good Luok 

1« RIbs In the Dark [jarei 
47 'Twould Putale a Con- 

18 Kill or Cure 

VOL. vn. 

49 Box and Coz Married and 

60 St. Cu»ld [Settled 

61 Go-to-bed Tom 

19 The Lawyer* 
68 Jack Sheppard 
64 The Toodlee 
66 The Mobcap 
66 Ladles Beware 

VOL. VIIL 
87 Morning Call 

68 Popping the Questloa 

69 Deaf a* a Poit 

60 Ne .7 Footman 

61 Pleasant Neighbor 
68 Paddy the Piper 

63 Brian O'Llnn 

64 Irish Assurance 

VOL. IX. 
66 Temptation 

66 Paddr Carev 

67 Two <3regorle* 

68 King Charming 

69 Po-oa-hon-Us 

70 Clockmaker's Hal 

71 Married Rake 

78 Lore and Murder 

VOL. X. 
78 Ireland and America 
74 Pretty Piece of Business 
76 Irish Broom-maker 

76 To Paris and Back f 

Five Pound* 

77 That Blessed Baby 

78 Our Gal 

79 Swiss Cottage 

80 Young Widow 



VOL. XI. 

81 O'FUnuigan and the Fai- 

82 Irish Post [ries 

83 My Neighbor'* Wife 

84 Irish Tiger 

85 P. P., or Man and Tiger 

86 To Oblige Benson 

87 SUte SecreU 

88 Irish Yankee 

VOL. XII. 

89 A Good Fellow 

90 Cherry and Fair Star 

91 Gale Breeiely 
99 Our Jemituy 

93 Miller'* Maid 

94 Awkward Arrival 
96 Crostiug the Line 
96 Conjugal Lesson 

VOL. XHI. 
?7 My Wife'* Mirror 

98 Life In New York 

99 Middy Ashore 

1 00 Crown Prince 

101 Two QueeL* 

102 Thumping Legacy 

103 Unfinished 0»ntleman 

104 House Dog 

VOL. XIV. 
06 The Demon Lover 

106 Matrimony 

107 In and Out of Place 

108 I Dine with My Mother 

109 Hi-a-wa-tha 
no Andv Blake 

111 Love In '76 [ties 

112 Romance under Difflcul- 
VOL, XV. 

118 One Coat for J Suit* 
14 A Decided Case 
16 Daughter [norltv 

116 No; or, the Glorious Mi- 

117 Coroner's Inquisition 
18 Love in Humble Life 

119 Family Jar* 
130 I'ersouatlon 

VOL. XVI. 

121 Children In the Wood 

122 Winning a Husband 

123 Day After the Fair 

124 Makd Your Will* 

125 Rendesvous 

126 My Wife's Husband 

1 27 Monsieur Tonson 

128 lllustrlou* Stranger 

VOL. XVII. 

129 Mischief-Making [Ml nes 

1 30 A Live Woman In the 

131 The Corsair 

132 Shy lock 

133 Spoiled Child 

134 Evil Eye 
136 Nothing to Nurse 

136 WanUd m Widow 

VOL. XVIIL 

137 Lottery Ticket 

138 Fortune's Frolic 

139 Is he Jealous! 

140 Married Bachelor 

141 Husband at Sight 

142 Irishman In London 

143 Animal Magnetism 

144 Highways and By-W ays 

VOL. XIX. 
146 Columbu* 

146 Harlequin Bluebeard 

147 Ladies at Home 

148 Phenomenon In a Smocft 

Frock 

149 Coinedy and Tragedy 

150 Opposite Neighbors 

151 Dutchman's Ghost 

152 Pwsecuted Dutchman 

VOL. XX. 
i63Mn*ard Ball 
.54 Great Tragic Revival 

156 High Low Jack A Game 
166 A Gentleman from Ire- 

157 Tom and Jerry [land 

158 Village Lawyer 

169 Captain's not A-mlM 
160 Amateur* and Actors 




161 Prom 

162 A F 

163 Mrs. 

164 Shak( 

166 NepV 
1«6 Lady 

167 Take 
i68 Irish 

V 

169 Yankee Peddler 

170 Hiram Hireont 

171 Double-Bedded Room 

172 The Drama Defended 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 

174 Ebene»er Venture [ter 
176 Principles from Charac- 

176 Lady of the Lake (Trav) 
VOL. XXIII. 

177 Mad Dog* 

178 Bnrney the Baron 

179 Swiss Swains 

180 Bachelor's Bedroom 

181 A Roland for an Oliver 
18i More Blunder* than One 
188 Dumb Belle 
1»4 Limerick Boy 

VOL. XXIV. 
1S5 Nature and Philosophy 

186 Teddy the Tiler 

187 Spectre BrideRrooia 

188 Matieo Falcone 

189 Jenny Llnd 

190 Two BuBzarde 

191 Happy M.'W 

192 Betsy Baker 

Vol. XXV, 

193 No. 1 Round the Corner 

194 Teddy Roe 

195 Object of Interest 

196 My Fellow Clerk 
191 Bengal Tiger 
U8 Lnizhlng Hyena 

199 i'he Victor V mquldied 

200 Our Wife 
VOL. XXVI. 

801 My Husband'* Mirrtw 
208 Yankee Land 
903 Norah Crelna 
204 Good for Nothing 
206 The First Night 

206 The Eton Boy 

207 Wandering Minstrel 

208 Wanted, 1000 Millineri 
VOL. XXVIL 

909 Poor Pilcoddy 

210 The Mummy [Glasses 

211 Don't Forget your Opera 
219 Love in Livery 
218 Anthony and Cleopatra 

214 Trylng_lt On 

215 Stage Struck Yankee 

216 Young Wife A Old Um- 
brella 

VOL. xxvnL 

217 Crir.illne 

218 A FatnUv Falling 

219 Adopted'Chlld 

220 Turned Head* 

221 A Match In the Dark 
228 Advice to Husband* 
228 Siamese Twins 
224 Sent to the Towe» 

VOL. XXIX. 
296 Somebody Else 
2 6 Ladies' Battle 

227 \Ti of Acting 

228 The Lady ofthe Lion* 

229 The Rigfits of Man 
280 My Huioand's Ghost 
231 Two Can Play at that 

Game 
839 FIghtine by Proxy 
VOL. XXa* 



016 103 327 3 



238 Unprotected Female 

234 Pet of the Petticoat* 

235 Forty and Fifty [book 
2.<)6 Who Stole the Pocket- 
937 My Son Diana^ [slon 
2.38 Unwarrantable Int 

239 Mr. and Mrs. WhiU 

240 A Quiet Family 



(Frettch'i Minor Drama Continued on jdpa^e of Cover.) 



X4Sf UT. Uilw Ttu 

Out to Nurse 

251 A Lucky Hit 

252 The Dowager 

253 Metamor^ (Burlesque) 

254 Dream: i f Delusion 

255 The Shaker Lover* 
266 Ticklish Time* 

VOL. XXXIIL 
v67 20 Minute* with a Tiger 
Vliralda, or, the Justice 
of Tacou 
269 A Soldier'* Courtship 

Servants by Legacy 
261 Dying for Love 
268 Alarmlnii gaurlflce 
863 Valet de Sham 

iholas NIckleby 

VOL. XXXIV. 

365 The Las of the Pirtalls 

266 King Re '.e's Daughter 

267 The Gru to Nymph 

268 A Devil jh Good Joke 

269 A Twice Told Tale 
870 Pas de I asclnation 

Revoluti 'nary Soldier 
378 A Man V/lthout a Head 

VOL. XXXV. 
978 The Olio, Part 1 
974 The Oil. , Part « 

276 The 01i< , Part 8 [ter 
876 The Tru upeUr's Deufb. 

277 Sreing V '»rren 

278 Green M mUln Boy 

279 That No 

280 lorn No. Iv'i Secret 
VOL XXXVT. 

281 Shocklnj, ; -wnU 
288 A Regub Fix 
283 Dick Turr>ln 
984 Young Sc -mp 
88 S Young A (ties* 
986 Call at No. 1— -7 
887 One Toucn of Natni* 
288 Two B'hcy* 

VOL. xxxvn. 

889 All the World's a Staf* 

290 Quash, or Nigger trto- 

291 Turn Him Out [tlee 
998 Pretty Girls of Stillberg 
398 Angel of the Attio 

294 ClrcumstancesalterOasee 

295 Katty O'Sheal 

296 A Supper In Dixie 

VOL. xxxvin. 

297 Id on Parle Francal* 

298 Who Killed Cock Robin 

299 Declaration of Independ- 

300 Heads or Tails [enoe 
801 Obstinate Family 
308 My Aunt 

303 That Rascal Pat 

304 Don Paddy de Baaan 
VOL. XXXIX. [ture 

805 Too Much for Good Na- 

806 Cure for the Fidgets 

307 Jack's the Lad 

308 Much Ado AboutNothlng 

309 Artful D<.deer 

310 Winning Haxard 

31 1 Day's Fishing [*C 

818 Did you ev»r send your, 
VOL. XL. 

318 An Irishman's Manenrer 
814 Cousin Fsnnie 

315 'TIs the Darkest Hour be- 

316 Masquerade [fore Dawn 

317 Crowding the Season 
31* Good Niirht's Rest 

819 Man with the Carpet Bag 
390 Terrible Tinker 



5AMUEL FRENCH a6 Wert 33(i Street. New York City. 

Hew and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 



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